Wings coach Mike Babcock has no doubt NHL should participate in next Olympics

DETROIT — Wings coach Mike Babcock has no doubt that the NHL should participate in the next Olympics.

“No doubt that they should go,” Babcock said after practice Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena. “I think it’s the greatest sporting event in the world. I think non-sports fans pay attention to the Olympics. It was one of the greatest family times of my whole life. To be an Olympian is a dream come true. I would hate to see guys miss out on that opportunity.”

The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia.

“Anytime you’re around great players, you get to be around the best and it improves you,” Babcock said. “I hope for the players in our league they get to go because of the growth opportunity and it’s a chance to represent your country. The World Championships are great, but this is way better than that.”